We hope that you will find all the information that you need prior to joining or leaving our school, if there is something else we can help you with, please do not hesitate to call our office on +357 25963425.

 

Defence Children Services (DCS) provides professional direction, support and advice in order to ensure that Service children and young people are provided with every opportunity to achieve the best possible outcomes and fulfil their potential. DCS seek to ensure that Service children and young people receive their full entitlement to statutory services and support and suffer no disadvantage because of their parent’s Service status; this is the underpinning principle of the Armed Forces Covenant. The aim is to provide support which is proactive and preventative as well as being responsive to emerging needs

 

Who are EAT(UK)? The Education Advisory Team, EAT(UK) is part of the MOD’s Defence Children Services (DCS) We are a tri-service organisation which supports operational effectiveness through the provision of support to Service and eligible MOD civilian families trying to secure appropriate educational provision for their children in the UK. Our priority is the educational well-being of the children and young people whose families we advise and guide. All advice we give is child-centred and focuses on the best interests of the individual. The EAT(UK) team is comprised of qualified teachers and experienced case advisors. We have a deep understanding of both educational issues and the challenges of Service life. Whilst the education of children is a parental responsibility, EAT(UK) can advise, guide and support families to provide a high-quality educational experience for their children, whilst in the UK, despite the challenges that Service life can present.

 

How can EAT(UK) help?

EAT provides authoritative, bespoke and professional advice to Service and eligible MOD civilian families on a wide range of educational issues, within the UK, including:

• Parental rights and responsibilities

• Children/ young person’s rights and responsibilities

• Special Educational Needs and/or Disability

• School admissions and appeals

• ALL enquiries about SFA Retention MUST go directly to Pinnacle.

EAT(UK) can provide advice and input to your case if there are complex needs and multi-agency involvement. EAT (UK) are not the decision makers the is made by Pinnacle • We offer considerations for families to make ahead of choosing to place their child(ren) in boarding school or seeking CEA eligibility. Queries regarding Special Educational Needs Addition (SENA) can be directed to EAT(UK) also. EAT (UK) does not make decisions about a child/ young person’s education; we advise families to allow them to make informed decisions.

 

Top Tips

• EAT (UK) can help you to find information about your rights and responsibilities in relation to your child/ young person’s education.

• Ask for advice prior to a posting. Education is a devolved matter and there will be different policies between each of the UK countries and MoD schools overseas.

• If you have a child with a Special Educational Need and/or Disabilities (SEND), contact EAT (UK) for relevant support, advice and guidance. More information can be found on our Gov.UK pages.

• When moving, do your research about schools and educational provision in the new area early in your moving process. EAT (UK) can offer advice and guidance regarding school admissions and statutory processes involved.

• You must contact EAT (UK) first if you plan to use the MOD’s Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) for boarding education. We can explain the process and ensure you have access to all the information you need.

• If you are assigned overseas and have children aged 0-18yrs of age, you must contact Families Section to obtain a Travel Pack. Within that travel pack is the Educational Supportability guidance.

The Overseas Team at DCS can provide advice and support.

RC-DCS-HQ-OES@mod.gov.uk